Saturday, 22 March 2014

People Of Namibia Hail Jonathan 'Igwe'

President Goodluck Jonathan rounded up his state visit to
Namibia yesterday where he was conferred with “Order of Welwitschia”,
the Namibia highest national honour, by President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

The
ceremony took place at the Independence Stadium, Windhoek, and was
attended by the founding President and the father of the Namibian
nation, Dr Sam Nujoma.
Over 35,000 persons witnessed the ceremony at the stadium which was full to capacity.
President
Jonathan who arrived the stadium in in company of his wife, Dame
Patience, was greeted with a loud shout of “Igwe!’ (King) popularised by
Nigerian Nollywood film that is hugely followed by other African
countries.
President Pohamba said the honour was conferred on
President Jonathan in recognition of the selfless contributions by the
government and the people of Nigeria to Namibia’s national liberation
struggle.
He noted that, despite the geographic distance, Nigeria
played a prominent role together with the Frontline states in supporting
the liberation movements in Southern Africa, including SWAPO of
Namibia.
He also hailed Nigeria’s steadfast and consistent
contributions to the resolution of conflicts and the maintenance of
peace and stability in Africa, pointing out Nigeria’s role in the crisis
in Cote d’ Ivoire, Mali and in other parts of Africa.
In a
citation read before President Jonathan was decorated by Pohamba, the
Master of Ceremony said that successive Nigerian government has stood
with Namibia in thick and tin.
She said that during the SWAPO
struggle for Independence, Nigeria consistently appropriated specific
budget vote for the liberation movement, the distance notwithstanding.
“Many sons and daughters of Nigeria sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of Namibia,” she said.
The
Master of ceremony also said that President Jonathan has demonstrated
astute leadership in confronting the challenges faced by Nigeria and the
continent.
President Jonathan thanked Pohamba and the people of
Namibia for the award, which he said underscored the long- standing
relationship between the two countries.
“Although I have been
given the honour as Nigeria’s President, I recognise that this gesture
rightly belongs to the Nigerian people, on whose behalf I am privileged
to serve.I want to thank you also for the privileged and opportunity of
sharing this indepence anniversary celebration with you.
President
Jonathan left shortly after the ceremony the President left Namibia for
Rome and the Vatican for talks on Saturday with Pope Francis and
Monsignor Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.